NZ and China: Next Generation Thinking

What will the NZ China relationship look like in 10, 20 or 50 years?  What will change?  Will anything stay the same?

The New Zealand China Council’s Next Generation Event, held on 02 November at the University of Auckland brought together young New Zealanders from a diversity of backgrounds to articulate their collective vision for the future of the relationship.

Representatives nominated by the Asia New Zealand Foundation, NZCTA Young Associates, Global China Connection Canterbury, New Zealand Chinese Students Association, NZ Asian Young Leaders, New Zealand Chinese Association and the Council participated the daylong event.   Thought and discussion was stimulated by presentations on topics ranging from Chinese language learning in New Zealand, to the emerging Chinese innovation ecosystem.   Speakers included former Kiwi diplomat in Beijing Gracie Kim, Asia NZ Foundation’s Jeff Johnstone and Steven Zohrab, and McKinsey and Company’s Andrew Grant.

Former Prime Minister Rt. Hon Sir John Key joined the event as a guest speaker. The day concluded with a dynamic brainstorming session led by NZ China Council’s Sam Brosnahan and Naisi Chen and Liz Gapes from PwC which captured the ideas, energy and overall vision of the participants.